Nestled in Linden — recently named one of the best neighbourhoods in the world —Njam is one of the coolest hidden gems in the city.
The bistro, which opened its doors three years ago, was founded by Toerie van der Merwe, a well-known restaurateur with several other successful eateries nationwide. True to its name, Njam, the Afrikaans word for yum, this spot is all about experiencing delicious food in a great setting.
The atmosphere
Njam has a warm feel with greenery everywhere you look — lush plants breathing life into the setting and creating a soothing, fresh feel.
The atmosphere is cosy and intimate — ideal for those who love a relaxed, personal dining experience. It’s also an excellent spot for casual business meetings; the restaurant offers fast internet, charging stations, and a calm energy, making it the perfect spot for remote work or brainstorming sessions over coffee.
During my visit, the space was filled with a delightful mix of young diners and older regulars, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The décor leans towards natural tones, adding to the calmness and comfort, and it has cushy seats.
Located on the corner of 3rd and 6th Street, Njam enjoys a steady buzz from the neighbourhood — busy enough to feel alive, but not overwhelming.
The weather was perfect on the day I visited, and I chose a shaded table outside to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the friendly Linden atmosphere.
The staff welcomed me with bright smiles and attentive service, which added positively to my experience. They also took time to speak about the meals they served, connecting with customers.
The menu and meals
The menu is impressively versatile, but not too much to overwhelm you. Whether you’re after a hearty breakfast, a wholesome lunch, or a light snack, the bistro is ready to serve.
Expect a mix of classic bistro dishes and authentic Afrikaans comfort food like roosterkoek, and tomato smoor — all prepared with care and rich in flavour. Everything, from the salad dressings to the ice cream cones, is made in-house, ensuring the ultimate freshness.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t leave without trying the pastries — they’re divine. From freshly baked pies, breads, fudges, milk tarts, and brownies, every dish is a crowd-pleaser.
I had the Rooster Brekkie [char-toasted roosterkoek with fried egg, whipped herbed feta, tomato smoor, and crispy bacon]. Boy, was I not ready! Mouth-watering does not begin to explain how good the dish was. It was bursting with flavour and ticked all the right boxes. The tomato smoor was so yum, I even packed some home for the family to try. It was rich, homey, and delicious.
In a nutshell, my meal exceeded my expectations and gave me a good reason to return.
The lunch menu includes frikkadels, wedges, grilled prawns, beef and chicken. The restaurant also sells juicy burgers and freshly made pasta.
For dessert, the restaurant sells ice cream, which is served with a homemade sugar cone.
There is a kiddies’ section on the menu — mac ’n cheese or mini burgers.
What others had to say
During my visit, I got to chat with Lizzle Grant, an elderly woman who prides herself on being a loyal customer and has been visiting since Njam first opened. She travels all the way from Northcliff just for a taste of her favourite spot.
Lizzle says she loves the restaurant's service, relaxed atmosphere, great food and how the staff goes an extra mile to connect with customers.
“I have a child who is mentally handicapped, and when I bring her here for the holidays, the staff make her feel so special,” she shared warmly. “They bring her a little chocolate treat, everyone greets her with hugs.
"They get to know you. It’s so welcoming," said Lizzle.
"The food is excellent — snacky but satisfying, and always different. There’s nowhere else like it.”
Why Njam deserves to be on your list of must-try restaurants
From the exceptional food to the friendly service, Njam is a restaurant that gets everything right. It’s the kind of place that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
It is ideally positioned, warm, a lovely local meeting place, and above all, it lives up to its name.
If you’re looking to treat yourself and upgrade your delicious — whether for breakfast, brunch, or a lazy lunch — Njam is the place to be.
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